Danielle Miller Jewelry - BLOG

STUDIO SALE at the Artful Home

2012-01-24T08:55:00.007-05:00

I rarely run discounts, but for the first time, I am participating in the Artful Home's bi-annual Studio Sale.
A handful of my one-of-a-kind pieces are 30% off!!!
The sale only runs from January 23 through February 8th....so act fast!

Geometric Drop Earrings & Necklace
(18k gold, sterling silver, peridot, pearls)

Cleopatra - Bib Necklace
(18k gold, sterling silver, blue topaz, pearls)

Dropping Bubbles Necklace
Sterling silver, 18k gold, pearls, iolite, peridot, amethyst

Circles, Circles, Circles Necklace
(18k gold, sterling silver, rhodolite garnet, pearls)

Rowena and Zack

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Rowena for sharing her love story and for writing this post for me....

Rowena and Zack met while students at Oxford University. Originally from the States, Zack stayed on in London after grad school and two years later he popped the question at the couple’s favourite place, the tropical conservatory at the Barbican Centre in London. Zack wanted Rowena to choose a ring that was just right for her so he proposed with a little silver bow to remind her to go out and find her perfect ring. That’s where Danielle came in! She created a beautiful (and eminently wearable!) ring with a chiseled silver band, one large black rose cut diamond set in a 18k yellow gold bezel and the second tiny white brilliant cut diamond set in a 14k rose gold bezel.
Having moved to the States for Rowena to attend grad school, Zack re-proposed at his childhood relaxation spot, Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu, California with the dream ring now in hand!

Danielle has also designed and created Rowena and Zack's wedding bands for their 2012 wedding at Boston’s Museum of Science.

14k yellow gold & 950 Palladium Reverse Radius Wedding Rings

Congratulations to Rowena & Zack! May your life together be filled with love, laughter and happiness!

Recent Custom Pieces...

2011-12-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

Once again, I have neglected to keep up with my blogging. I am going to try my best to regularly post in this upcoming year. So to start it off, I will share a recent custom order I made...

A lovely repeat (& local!) customer liked my Geometric Series and wanted me to create a pendant and earring set using rubies from an old ring.
This was my initial sketch for her:

After a few meetings and a final sketch, this was the final product:
Sterling silver, 18k gold, pearl and rubies

She loved it! I am grateful to have such a lovely, kind and patient client! :)

Words are very unnecessary...Begin again. Begin again.

2011-09-11T08:00:00.005-04:00

I remember and I will never forget.

A Few Tips on Buying Handmade Jewelry

2011-09-05T09:30:00.006-04:00

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are given a topic or question and then requested to blog about it simultaneously. This month's topic is:

A Few Tips on Buying Handmade Jewelry

Share a few of your personal tips when it comes to the purchase of handmade jewelry.

WOW! I could go into a lot more detail on some of these points...
So I think I will make a quick list now and then elaborate in a series of future blog posts.

Uniqueness of design. It should speak to you. It is different than anything your peers have and that is a good thing!
Listen to the artist's story. Most artists have a story to tell---about their inspiration, technique or materials. The story continues when you purchase the piece---you become part of the story!
Look for quality craftsmanship. Handmade doesn't (and shouldn't) mean poorly made! (This is a pet peeve of mine. I will definitely elaborate on this in a future post!)
Ask and understand about the materials. For example: There are differences between fine silver, sterling silver, silver-filled, silver plated, bi-metal, nickel silver, etc.
Know your Budget. You will more than likely pay more for a handmade item than a mass produced item. Are you looking for everyday earrings or a large statement piece that you will only wear a few times a year?
Care Instructions. Handmade does not mean indestructible. Love your jewelry and ask if there are any special care instructions to help it last for generations.
Exchange Contact Info. The artist will more than likely want your address and/or email for their customer mail list. (You will receive notices when the artist is in a show in your area, if he/she is having a special sale, etc). And you may want to hold onto their business card in case you want to add to your collection or if you loose an earring and need a replacement made.

You can read more "Buying Handmade Tips" from other EtsyMetal members. Follow the links to their blogs throughout the day:

Centrifugal Casting Gold Rings

2011-08-25T10:30:00.004-04:00

I recently shot a video while my husband and I cast a pair of gold rings. This is my first edited video using iMovie, which was pretty fun. I hope you enjoy watching this jewelry making process...

I plan on shooting more videos in the future...hopefully they will get better. ;)

14k gold Chiseled Wedding Bands

Mount Gretna Art Show

2011-08-17T07:00:00.001-04:00

I will be exhibiting at the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show in Pennsylvania this coming weekend. If you are in the area, please stop by booth #146!

Saturday, August 20: 9am to 6pm

Sunday, August 21: 9am to 5pm

Elaine and Waylon

2011-08-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Artists Elaine and Waylon met a an iron pour in Brevard, NC in 2006. Fast forward 4 years, 4 states, one BFA, one MFA and another MFA in the works...and Waylon proposed in dramatic fashion at an 300 lb sand mold iron pour in Kentucky, much like the one they met at earlier.

Fast forward 8 months later...

A picture perfect wedding occurred!

I am honored to have made the rings which represents their enduring love.

Elaine's engagement ring is sterling, 18k gold, tsavorite and diamonds.

Her wedding ring is a "chiseled" sterling band.

Waylon's ring is "chiseled" palladium band.

Elaine, a talented ceramic artist, made the centerpiece platters, the cupcake tier and all the dessert plates! With the couples names and wedding date inscribed on the bottom, the sweet little dessert plates not only served yummy cupcakes, but also served as the guests' favor. Elaine and her friends also handmade the lovely paper flowers arrangements for the centerpieces.

CONGRATULATIONS to the beautiful and talented couple...Elaine and Waylon! Wishing you both the happily ever after that you deserve.

Photopgraphy by Ryan Bumgarner

Elaine Quave, ceramic artist/sculptor

Waylon Bigsby, sculptor

Ridge Collection

2011-08-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

My newest body of work, the Ridge Collection, will be represented by llyn strong fine jewelry (booth 108) at SOFA in Sante Fe! SOFA: Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Fair is a gallery-presented, international art exposition dedicated to bridging the worlds of design, decorative and fine art. The show runs from August 4-7.

llyn wanted images for a slide show, so I had the pieces shot by local photographer, Eli Warren. Some of them turned out great! Take a gander...

Waning Pendant

Ridge Cuff 1

Ridge Cuff 2

Marquise Beryl Ring

Ridge Earring 2

Eli edited all the images in white and gradated backgrounds, so I can use them for editorial or jury images.

Thanks for reading! Your comments are welcomed.

My (artisitc) Roots

2011-08-01T11:00:00.004-04:00

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are given a topic or question and then requested to blog about it simultaneously. I haven't participated in a while---in fact I haven't done any blogging in a while. I thought this month's topic was a good one to jump back into it with:

Our Roots
Where we came from. How our families have influenced us. Artists in the family.

When I think about my artistic roots, I immediately think of my mother. She has always been a "maker"---someone who uses her hands to create. I have childhood memories of her making clothes and going to the fabric store with her...looking at all the clothing patterns and wondering the aisles of fabric bolts. She painted pottery, did macrame, cross stitch, knit and crocheted. One of her longest lived hobbies is quilting. Over the years, she has quilted baby blankets, comforters and wall hangings for dozens of our family and friends.

One of the many quilts my mother, Suzanne Miller, has made for my children.

She has always been supportive of my artistic endeavors and enrolled me in pastel and oil painting classes when I was 10 years old. I was encouraged to follow the creative path that ultimately lead me to art college and my jewelry career.

Coincidently, my grandfather dabbled in metal work. When I was a teenager he gave me a cuff bracelet he made. My memory is foggy, but I think he said he made it when he was in the Navy during WWII. When my mother was a young girl, he took sheet metal/tin smithing classes and made cookie sheets, pitchers and containers for friends and family members.

Bracelet made by my grandfather (circa 1945?)

Last but certainly not least, I am influenced by my husband, Ben Gilliam. He is an amazing teacher and a talented metalsmith and sculptor. We have different styles, but we still influence each other in countless ways.

Copper vessel by my husband, Ben (aka: John B. Gilliam)

Please read the "Roots" stories of other EtsyMetal members. Follow the links to their blogs throughout the day:
2Roses
Artigiano Jewel Box
Erin Austin
Inbar Bareket
Beth Cyr
Cynthia Del Giudice
Evelyn Markasky
Nodeform
Elizabeth Scott
Twigs and Heather

Nervous Habit Rings

2011-01-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

There is something particularly intimate about a ring---Not only because it is used as a symbol of love---but because it literally surrounds and becomes a part of the wearer more so than other jewelry. Our hands are the main source of our gestural language...we wave hello, we hug, we shake and hold hands...

Nervous Habit Ring #7. Made in 1996-ish.
Published in "Fidgeting in Style" Lapidary Journal January 1997 and "1000 Rings", Lark Books.

I have always liked to make rings that are gestural, playful, kinetic....
Rings that can be enjoyed by the wearer and viewer, rings that are conversation starters, rings that are more than just rings...

Revisiting my love for kinetic rings in the Ring-a-Week Challenge has made me think about some of my older designs. I recently rephotographed them since I had no digital images of them---only slides! (How old school is that?!)

Nervous Habit Ring #8? Made in 1996-ish.
Published in "Fidgeting in Style" Lapidary Journal January 1997.

Ring-a-Week : ring 3/52

2011-01-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Continuing with the kinetic theme this week...

Fidgeting Marquise Ring
Sterling silver w/ patina. Marquise elements freely rock back and forth.

Ring-a-Week: ring 2/52

2011-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

My second ring for the Ring-a-Week challenge was inspired by some other pieces in my Mod Collection. It is a combination of my Mod Rocker Rings and my Mod Slider Necklace.

Mod Slider Ring - sterling silver, amethyst and garnet.It doesn't see-saw up and down like my Mod Rocker Rings, but the stones settings do freely slide back and forth. This is a quick video I shot with my little digital camera, so please excuse the poor video quality...

New Year, New Challenges...

2011-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

You may or may not know, a year ago, I embarked on a challenge entitled "A Ring-a-Day" in which I was to create one ring every day for as long as I could...

I lasted 100 days. (see my RAD rings on flickr.)
Some brave and VERY creative souls lasted an entire 365. (see everyone's RAD rings on flickr.)

Now in 2011, I am embarking on another challenge...a little less demanding but equally as inspiring..."A Ring-a-Week". I have committed to making one ring per week for the entire year...52 rings! I hope to continue to explore some of the ideas that I began with the previous challenge, to make some rings that have been brewing in my mind for a while and to be inspired to new levels.

This is my first ring for the Ring-a-Week Challenge:

18k gold & green tourmaline.
The stone setting freely slides back and forth.

I hope to not only blog my rings but also to share with you some of the amazing rings made by my fellow Ring-a-Day artists....stay tuned! In the meantime, you can view everyone's RAW rings on flickr.

EtsyMetal & Me...

2010-10-04T10:00:00.002-04:00

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are given a topic or question and then requested to blog about it simultaneously. This month's topic is:

Happy Anniversary EtsyMetal!
EtsyMetal & Me...

For my blog readers that don't know what/who EtsyMetal is...

EtsyMetal is an international team of metalsmiths working together to promote their art. The team was formed to provide a venue of communication, business development and support for metalsmiths who sell their handmade goods on Etsy. This team offers members opportunities to grow their businesses by providing them with an informational forum, a team website, cooperative marketing, and by offering a member-to-member mentoring group.

When/Why did you join?
I juried into this group in June of 2008...about 6 months after I began selling on Etsy. Etsy administration encourages artists/sellers to join a team to network, share skills, and promote their shops together. I choose to apply to the EtsyMetal team because I was impressed by the quality of artists in the group, their blog and their team activities.

Is it what you expected?
Yes, and so much more! I have found this group an invaluable source of information, support and friendship. I have learned an incredible amount about selling online, marketing online, studio tips, etc. I have been inspired to "play" in the studio more than I have in years....which has made my job fun again!

What does it mean to you to be a part of the team?
I am honored and proud to be a part of this spectacular group of artists. I have not only found it supportive in my business and art but also have made amazing friends. Working in the studio can be very solitary...having a "virtual" colleague just a click away makes all the difference!

EtsyMetal is turning four years old! The organization will celebrate this anniversary the entire month of October by giving away four $50 gift certificates redeemable at any EtsyMetal member’s shop. In addition to the give away, several EtsyMetal members will be celebrating by having individual sales! (Details of my sale coming soon.) To enter the drawing, one must sign up for the EtsyMetal newsletter...read more info on the EtsyMetal blog.

Please read the "EtsyMetal & Me" stories of other EtsyMetal members. Follow the links to their blogs throughout the day:
Catherine Chandler
Victoria Takahashi
Inbar Bareket
Stacey/wildflowerdesigns
caitlyn davey
Nina Gibson

Recent press

2010-09-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a quick post about some print press I have received this year...

my Bubble Ring in skirt! magazine - February 2010

my Vine Leaf Rings in Watch & Jewelry Review - June 2010

National Jeweler - July 2010

Lapidary Journal/Jewelry Artist - September 2010

Thanks for reading! I have some exciting projects I be blogging about soon...stay tuned!

Back to School...uhhhhh, no thanks.

2010-09-06T11:30:00.007-04:00

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are given a topic or question and then requested to blog about it simultaneously. This month's topic is:

Back To School
Where did you go to school? Are you still a student? What kind of student were/are you? If you had the opportunity to go back to school, would you? Where and what would you study?

Tyler's old Penrose Hall, empty & abandoned photo by Denis Sweeney via flickr

So here is my story...

Where did you go to school? I began my studies at Moore College of Art and Design. I thought I would be concentrating my studies in sculpture, but ended up falling in love with jewelry making. So I transferred to Tyler School of Art, Temple University for their renowned jewelry/metals department.

Are you still a student? Hell no! Although, I am constantly learning---sometimes a technique or refining a skill, many times something about running a business. But, no, I have not been a student in a formal school for a long time. And I can NOT imagine myself in a university setting at this point in my life.

What kind of student were you? I'd like to think that I was an ambitious student. I spent all my free time in the studio, trying to gain the most of my education.

If you had the opportunity to go back to school, would you? Where and what would you study? If I had the ability to time travel, I may whisper in the ear of the younger me. I would urge myself to continue my education beyond my BFA. Not to gain a MFA, but to gain more useful technical skills. I would have urged myself to take some additional business and accounting classes and to go to the Revere Academy or the New Approach School for Jewelers. I would LOVE to take a class (or two or three) at one of these schools today---but it doesn't easily fit into my life (as a mother of young children and an entrepreneur).

The Nitty-Gritty: The truth is I have mixed emotions about my alma mater. I value the education I received---it was top notch. I learned countless techniques, was introduced to basic art business practices (which many art schools woefully overlook) and had an all around great time. However, I perceive that my former instructors look upon me and what I do with ambivalence. My feelings of being slighted may simply be in my mind---my own insecurity manifesting itself. I do have real reasons for my mixed emotions and they have deep roots---I hate to hold a grudge but I can't shake this one. 'Nuff said.

Tyler School of Art, empty, old campus photo by Denis Sweeney via flickr

Another sad fact about my alma mater is that the school I attended no longer exists. Tyler used to be it's own quaint little campus on the outskirts of Philadelphia, an estate donated by Stella Elkins Tyler. There had been talk about moving the school to the north Philadelphia main campus site of Temple University since I was there 17 years ago. They finally completed the move two years ago. I have not been to the new campus but have seen photos. It looks like a shiny new gem---but in my mind's eye, Tyler will always be that old lovely campus.

Please read the "Back to School" stories of other Etsymetal members. Follow the links to their blogs:
victoria takahashi - experimetal
caitlyn davey- discomedusa
Thomasin Durgin - metalriot
stacey - wildflowerdesigns
Ann Hartley
Konstanze - Nodeform
Beth Cyr
Jenny Baughman
Kathryn Cole

Some recent special orders

2010-09-03T07:00:00.003-04:00

An apology is in order....I have been preoccupied with some big projects that have been time and energy consuming so my blogging has suffered terrible neglect.

So where do I begin? How do I get back into the blogging groove?

I guess I'll start with a quick post about some special orders I made this summer...

This was a 950 Palladium and 18k yellow gold engagement ring with antique diamond passed down by the customer's grandmother.

This was a custom ring I made for a customer who was entering a 2nd marriage. The 12 stones are birthstones of the husband, wife and 10 children...2 families uniting into one.

This was a custom pair of cufflinks I made using the customer's gorgeous Tahitian pearls.

A customer had purchased my Abacus Bracelet #5 and discovered it was just a tad too long for her. I removed a link and turned it into a pendant.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more frequent posts and to hear about those big projects that have been keeping me busy!

Palladium is HOT!

2010-05-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

Last week I made a palladium wedding band and decided to take a few photos while I was soldering so I could share the process with you....

Palladium solder beads are placed in the joints.

Beginning to heat up the joints...

Metal is up to correct temperature and solder flows! Approximately 2300° F

That is HOT metal!

Palladium requires very high temperatures and the metal glows brilliant orange. As a result you must wear rated No. 5 or darker welding lenses for eye protection. (Making jewelry is not as glamorous as wearing it!)

All polished and pretty! Fin.

♥♥♥Congratulations to Jocelyn and Curtis!♥♥♥

putting a Label on it...

2010-05-12T13:45:00.006-04:00

I was reading the Scoutie Girl blog today and became interested in Tara's We Scout Wednesday post: "Labels: What's Yours?"

Tara said

"the language we choose to label ourselves affects the way others perceive us, the choices we make, and even the direction we choose to pursue with our passion."

I think many of us struggle with labeling ourselves and/or our businesses. The fact that, as a society, we have to put a label on everything is sometimes annoying. But it is necessary for us to keep track of all facets of our world and labeling or compartmentalizing helps our minds stay organized.

So.....What is my label? Who am I? How do I want my customers and peers to perceive me?

Am I a bench jeweler?
Am I a designer?
Am I an artist?
Am I an entrepreneur?

I am all of these things and more....
I hope others see this and label me accordingly.

In search of Motivation

2010-05-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are asked a question and then requested to blog about it simultaneously. This month's question is:

What motivates you to create?

In a down market when things are not selling well?
When you are tired?
When life makes you busy?

Normally my answer would be: I am motivated by looming deadlines. Give me 6 months to do a project and I will procrastinate until the last month...then I will crank it out. However, this blog carnival question could not have come at a more poignant time for me.

Why?
Because, currently, I don't have the answer.

To be brutally honest, I have had little to no motivation lately. It's not that I don't have ideas or inspirations....I probably have too many ideas. I even have looming deadlines...not as many as I'd like, but I have some. But the general desire to work in my studio has been seriously lacking lately. There are many reasons I can attribute to my "funk."

Working alone is hard. I have always worked better when there is someone else in my studio. I have been w/out employees for two years now and the solitude is taking hold. Loneliness is bad for motivation.
Not selling / not having a lot of deadlines is bad for the ego. I constantly am asking myself, why am I not selling while designer X is? Why am I not more successful? Self doubt is bad for motivation.
Making designs that are 12 years old is tiresome. I design new work every year. But sometimes it seems that the old designs are the best sellers and I am bored. Boredom is bad for motivation.
Wearing too many hats can cause a headache. There are many jobs involved in running a business.....designer, bench jeweler, marketer, sales person, bookkeeper, etc. I enjoy all these jobs (well, not the bookkeeping part) but I find the balancing act difficult. When I feel overwhelmed I tend to shut down. Lack of balance leads to lack of motivation.
Distractions abound! There are so many things that are competing for our attention. In my case, my beloved MacBook is my major distraction. Twitter, facebook, blogs, metal and business forums, etc. Most of my computer distractions are indeed business related...but it all goes back to that balance issue. Being too "plugged-in" is bad for studio motivation.

I could continue to list reasons why I am having a hard time getting into the studio, but enough with the excuses. What I need are solutions.

So, now that I have confessed my recent lack of motivation, hopefully it will shame me to get back into the groove. I am going to try to do the following:

Set a timer while on the computer. I will try to limit my online distractions.
Clean my clutter. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, my bench and office is a mess. Perhaps if I cleaned up a bit and rearranged the furniture, the studio will feel fresh. Maybe the studio won't seem like a lonely place, but the creative space that it should be.
Create a job schedule. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all the hats I have wear, I will try to break all the duties down to certain days of the week or month.
Lose the "grass is greener" attitude. This one will be very hard. Being envious of the success of others and having self doubt is a part of many artists' sensibilities. Perhaps I need to focus more on me and less on them or simply find inspiration in the success of others.

Okay, wish me luck. I will keep you updated. Here I go....into the studio.....

Please read the Motivation tricks of other Etsymetal members. Follow the links to their blogs:
Ann Hartley / hartleystudio
Beth Cyr
Brooke Medllin
Maria Whetman / fluxplay
Nina Gibson
Stacey Hansen
Victoria Takahashi / Experimetal
2Roses

Massimo Vignelli

2010-04-28T11:30:00.001-04:00

While in Atlanta a few weeks ago, I was *invited to attended a Massimo Vignelli lecture presented at SCAD Atlanta. Initially, I did not think I was familiar with Massimo Vignelli's designs...until I started to recognize much of his work during the presentation. He has designed everything from corporate identity, package design and product design to furniture, showroom design and subway signage. The scope of accomplishment in his five decade career is vast and truly inspiring.Vignelli is "a Modernist Design Legacy" whose work focuses on simplicity through the use of basic geometric forms, simple fonts and is highly architectural in character. Less is more.

I subscribe to a very similar design philosophy/aesthetic and I can only hope that my work is viewed as "visually powerful, elegant and timeless." Below are a few quotes from Vignelli that I jotted down during the lecture. They really struck a cord with me:

-Sift, sift, sift...until you get to the essence.

-Decoration should not be added, it should be integrated.

-Play with light---and the reflection or absorption of light, texture vs. shine.

*Thanks to Lisa and Jane for inviting me!

Respect your Elders aka Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T07:00:00.002-04:00

Last year I wrote a more insightful Earth Day post. This year's is short and sweet...

Photo courtesy of DeyaAviva via Flickr.

Earth is approximately 4.55 billion years old.
Modern man has walked on Earth for approximately 200,000 years.
You should always respect your elders.

My Design Process

2010-04-01T11:30:00.002-04:00

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are asked a question and then requested to blog about it simultaneously. This month's question is: The Creative Process: How do you plan and organize for design?

I use simple geometric forms as the building blocks for most of my designs, which are inspired by architecture, machines, toys and nature. When I get a new idea or see a shape that excites me, I try to get a quick sketch down on paper. Many of my designs are modular and linear...so as I begin to work with that idea or shape, I move things around and create multiple variations. As a result, sometimes the design evolves or completely changes, many times it grows into a whole collection of jewelry (eg: bracelets, earrings and necklaces). I do this both on paper and with the metal parts I make....
I really like designing by playing with "pieces parts" and as a result of that, my bench is always completely cluttered. I have many "parts" all over the place...ready for me to arrange and re-arrange and re-arrange...until someday it becomes a finished design. This is both good and bad. I like being reminded of my many ideas and their "parts" but is also distracting and just a down-right messy. I have been meaning to do a serious clean up for months but I am very good at procrastination! And don't forget what Albert Einstein said:

If a cluttered desk signs a cluttered mind, Of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?

Please visit the other blogs participating in today's blog carnival to read about their design process:
Victoria Takahashi/Experimetal
Thomasin Durgin/metalriot
Su Trindle/QuercusSilver
Inbar Bareket
Stacey Hansen
Nina Gibson
Corliss & John Rose/2Roses
Maria Whetman
Beth Cyr

Blog Carnival - Ring a Day

2010-02-01T00:54:00.011-05:00

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are asked a question and then requested to blog about it. This month's question is: What is your favorite ring from the Ring-a-Day Project thus far?

If I had to choose one of my own rings, it would be my "Growth" ring from day #25. I had been experimenting with the folded leaf-like band since my "Orange Blossom" ring on day #13 and I really think the resolution of "Growth" is a perfect continuation of that experimentation. I will definitely be making more of these slightly whimsical, nature-inspired rings in the coming months.

"Growth" sterling silver. scored and bent, forged, fabricated.

The Ring-a-Day Project has given me the motivation to veer off my daily path and the freedom to explore concepts and designs that don't need to fit in with my production line. I have been yearning for this freedom for a long time and I am so glad I decided to join this project!

There are too many fabulous rings to choose favorites, but here are a few that I really love from others participating in this project. And don't forget you can always browse the entire group pool (over 3,ooo photos so far!) on flickr: Ring-a-Day.

Ring-a-Day #3 "Matchbox", Ring-a-Day #4, "Matchbox On Fire" by Maria Apostolou.

Bad Girl Button Ring 9/365 by Thomasin Durgin/metalriot

"cot" (in) , "cot" (on) by Victoria Takahashi/experimental

Please visit the other blogs participating in today's blog carnival to read about their favorites:
Alisa Miller
Beth Cyr
Caitlyn Davey/discomedusa
Catherine Chandler
Colleen Baran
Chris Parry
kerin rose
Maureen "Cosmo's Moon" BZ
Nina Dinoff
Sara Westermark
stacey hansen
Su Trindle
Thomasin Durgin
Victoria Takahashi

Have snow, will marry...

2010-01-26T09:00:00.006-05:00

I love when my customers share their love stories.
While snowshoeing in the Adirondacks, he proposed.
Naturally, she accepted.
How romantic!

Blackened sterling silver, 14k white gold, .25 ct chocolate diamond

9 more rings...

2010-01-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Ring-a-Day truly is an exercise in creative thinking. No matter where you are or what you are doing, create something...anything that can be viewed as a ring. Here are my last 9:

1. Put a lid on it! (#15) 2. Silly Straw Ring (#16) 3. Silly Straw Ring 2 (#17)
4. Bubble Ring (#18) 5. Balloon Ring - inflated (#19) 6. To Do List Ring (#20)
7. #21, 8. Marquises Ring (#22), 9. Winter Flower Ring (#23)

Please click here to visit the entire Ring-a-Day group pool on flickr.

Week Two of the Ring-a-Day Challenge

2010-01-16T20:00:00.001-05:00

Week two (Jan 8-14) and still going strong!
Last Friday I made a ring that was inspired by the Orbit Ring (RAD #6) I had made the week before. The new version is hinged, making it kinetic and wearable in several variations. Here is a video showing 3 of the 6 ways it can be worn:

Orbit Ring #2 - in motion

I don't get much (if any) studio time on the weekends, so I have been saving my "ready made" or "days-without-a-studio" ring ideas for those days. This past week's weekend theme was "Tool as Ring." Later in the week, I made a ring using a plastic orange juice lid that I had been holding onto for months---way before this challenge started. As soon as I saw it in the grocery store, I knew I wanted to make something with it. The RAD Project gave me the perfect excuse to just do it! (Just one of the reasons why I love this project!) I loved the way the band turned out on the orange ring, so I made another ring using the same technique---and I plan on doing more with this in the coming weeks and possibly adding it to my regular line.

1. Orange Blossom 2. "Chiseled" 3. Caliper Ring 2 -Tool as Ring
4. Caliper Ring -Tool as Ring 5. C-clamp - Tool as Ring 6. Leaf

Please click here to visit the entire Ring-a-Day group pool on flickr. There are so many brilliant rings there!

Rose Cut Diamonds : Pre-Valentine Sale

2010-01-12T10:21:00.005-05:00

I am having a
♥♥♥ Pre-Valentine's Day Sale ♥♥♥
All rose cut diamond designs are on sale!
Each stone is one-of-a-kind, so don't miss this great opportunity to buy something truly unique for your special someone!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Click here see the available designs and pricing. A few more will be added, so check back!
"Chiseled" rose cut collection by Danielle Miller Jewelry
Yes, these are REAL diamonds. They are natural in color and conflict free.

Week One of the Ring-a-Day Challenge

2010-01-08T07:00:00.006-05:00

I am having such fun with the Ring-a-Day project! The ideas are flowing for "days-without-a-studio rings", art jewelry rings, kinetic rings and traditional rings. I had to start a new sketch book dedicated to this project so I could keep track of the buzzing in my head. Originally, I said I was only going to participate for the month of January---but now I am hoping to do it for the whole year. It will be very hard, especially when the busy wholesale season starts. But I am hoping this will be the breathe of fresh air that I have been yearning for years. We'll just have to wait and see how the year unfolds.

Here are my first seven Ring-a-Day rings:

#1. New Year's Ring #2. Tired #3. Green Blade
#4. Chiseled Moonstone #5. Wing or Talon? #6. Orbit
#7. Sick Day

QUESTIONS FOR MY READERS: Would you like to see these rings blogged weekly or bi-weekly? Do you like this mosaic format or would you prefer to see them individually? Please share your thoughts in the comment section. Thanks, Danielle

My most treasured object(s)

2010-01-04T10:00:00.002-05:00

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are asked a question and then requested to blog about it. This month's question is: What is your favorite object?

My Etsymetal blogging mates and I agree---Surprisingly, this is a VERY hard question to answer! Many of us thought "if there were a fire and I could grab one thing, what would it be?"

With the exception of the people in my home---So much, even many of the objects I hold very dear, are not really important and many are replaceable.

At first thought, my laptop comes to mind---If there were a fire and my family was safe, I might grab my MacBook. My entire business is run on it, recent family photos, daily connection to the entire world, etc. But I feel cheap and dirty claiming that my laptop is my most cherished possession...

Once I thought about it a bit longer, I remembered all the photos that are NOT in digital format. I have boxes of photos from high school to present time. For years, I carried a camera everywhere I went. My memories are in those boxes of photographs and I cherish them. But if I had to grab just ONE thing, I think it would be the photo album my parents put together for me a few years ago. It was a thoughtful gift containing my family tree and photos dating from from my great grandparents to my first born son. Here are a few of my favorites...

My grandparents (on the left) on a date circa 1930's. I absolutely love this photograph. My Pap looks so dashing and my grandma is gorgeous!

Me (left) and my dear friend, Kirsten (right) entering the school for our first day of kindergarden. (I hope she doesn't kill me for posting this photo! She had recently given herself a haircut...like all good 5 year olds!)

To read about my fellow EtsyMetal members' most treasured object, please visit the following blogs sometime today:
Victoria Takahashi
Stacey Hansen
Rebekah Timlin Meddles
Sara Westermark
Beth Cyr
Ashley Akers

RINGing in the New Year

2010-01-01T22:00:00.001-05:00

I have decided to participate in a challenge that my friend Nina Dinoff proposed: "A Ring-a-Day" from January 1 - 31. There are no real rules---simply to create one ring every day for one month. It is an exercise in discipline and creative exploration. A ring can be a found object or a labor intensive piece of art....it can take 3 minutes or 8 hours to create. See info on the Etsymetal blog for detials.

I might be a little crazy, seeing that January is a hectic month for me---I am always frantically replenishing my pillaged sample set, designing and making new work and pulling my hair out while getting ready for my major wholesale trade show in February. But alas, I have joined the party and am hoping for some fun, inspiration and stimulation.

Here is my first ring of the challenge. "New Year's Ring" 1/1/10.
Sterling silver and champagne cork.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-21T10:30:00.001-05:00

My best jewelery memory....

2009-12-06T21:36:00.004-05:00

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are asked a question and then requested to blog about it. This month's question is: What is your best jewelry memory?

I don't have a single best jewelry memory. But all of my best jewelry memories are with my husband, Ben. That sounds like a cliché, but it's not really...

In case you are wondering (or worrying!) NONE of the memories include him getting down on his knee. He never formally proposed or presented me with an engagement ring. (And that is a story for another day!) In fact, in the 17 years that we have been together, he has only given me 2 pieces of jewelry. (And why should he, right? Although a nice big stone that I could put into a piece of jewelry might be nice someday. hmmmmmm.)

I have digressed a little from my original thought...

I met Ben when we were attending Tyler School of Art---I was getting my BFA, he was getting his MFA---we were both concentrating our studies in the Jewelry/Metals Department. After a year of friendship, our relationship evolved into a more romantic one. I have many fond (and some not so fond) jewelry related memories during this period of my life. One in particular was when I was working late in the studio one weekend night. Ben really wanted me to watch one of his favorite movies "Robin and Marian," but I had to work on my project. So he rented the movie and brought it to the studio. He pulled the forming stakes I needed to use in front of the studio television, so I could watch the movie with him while I worked. (Nice date, huh?)

I don't have digital images of my school work. These are badly scanned from slides.

I don't think this is the piece I was working on when we watched "Robin and Marian", but it of the same time period (circa 1992).

Another fond jewelry memory I have takes place years later...

I had started my business and Ben was teaching Jewelry/Metals at Rowan University. We would go to Rowan every Sunday---he opened the studio for his students and I would work on my own jewelry. We would drive from Philadelphia to Glassboro in the late morning and pick up lunch on the way---many times we would eat a picnic lunch on the lawn near the jewelry studio. We would spend all day there---I would bring waxes that that I injected at our home studio and we would invest them, do a quick burn out and cast. We would drive home Sunday night---many times fighting with the summertime New Jersey to Philly beach traffic---and would listen to "This American Life" on the car radio.

Ben and Danielle casting at Rowan University circa 1998

To read about my fellow EtsyMetal members' best jewelry memory, please visit the following blogs:
Andes Cruz Designs
Bijougirl
Sara Westermark

10% off - Weekend Deal!

2009-11-13T10:00:00.001-05:00

Get ready for the holidays and start your shopping early! I'm kicking off the season with a 10% off sale in my Etsy shop this weekend Friday, November 13 - Sunday, November 15. (Sorry, custom orders do not apply.) Don't wait....ACT NOW! Simply write the coupon code "Weekend Deals" in the message to seller during your checkout on Etsy!

1."Chiseled 4" Rose Cut Diamond Ring, 2. Satellite Pendants, 3. Midnight Vine Ring, 4. Trefoil Flower Pendant

If you are one of my wholesale customers, this offer is extended to you too! But hurry! You need to place your order THIS weekend to qualify for this great deal! Call or email me for details or to place your qualified wholesale order.

Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show

2009-11-04T22:11:00.004-05:00

I will be exhibiting at the Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show this Friday and Saturday. If you in the area, please stop by this breath-taking show! You deserve something pretty, don't you?!

Headed to Asheville

2009-10-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

As few days ago, I went to the gem show in Asheville, NC....I had a wonderful time visiting with my talented jewelry friends Maggie Joynt and Joanna Gollberg.

And these are some of the goodies I picked up...

(clockwise) lava beads, tourmaline, raw black diamond beads, rose cut sapphires, asymmetric rough cut pink sapphires, asymmetric rough cut rainbow moonstones

Bench Mess

2009-10-26T10:25:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted in a while...but I have been working and I am a slob.

Trying to get back into the blog groove...more meaningful posts soon.

Not so glamorous...

2009-09-17T11:08:00.004-04:00

Making jewelry is not as glamorous as wearing it...

Midnight Flora pendant - blackened sterling, 18k gold, diamond

I remember

2009-09-11T09:29:00.004-04:00

Today is one of those days in history that people say "I remember where I was when..."

On this day, 8 years ago, I was at my parents' home in Pennsylvania.

I had been in Pittsburgh the weekend before, selling my work at the Fair in the Park. Rather than driving back to South Carolina after the show, I choose to visit my family for a week so I could attend my cousin's wedding the following weekend. I drove through Somerset County on Sunday night, where United Airlines Flight 93 would crash in a field 36 hours later.

I was enjoying my time off at my parents' and was sleeping in on Tuesday morning. A phone call from my brother woke me up. He tried to tell me what was happening. "We're under attack!" I thought he was joking and I laughed at him. He urged my mother and me to turn on the television. I could not believe what I saw....

I remember and I will never forget.

The first piece of jewelry I made...

2009-09-07T08:00:00.012-04:00

I made my first piece of jewelry well over 20 years ago. Sure, I strung macaroni and made construction paper link necklaces years before that...but this was was first metalsmithed piece.

I had an amazing high school art teacher (thank you Mr. Pozun!) and he introduced jewelry making when I was a sophomore (circa 1986 - age 16). The funny part of the story is....I HATED it! We had to lay out our design on a sheet of nickle silver and cut it out. The tedious sawing and filing that followed was TORTURE. And Mr Pozun did all the soldering, so I missed out on the FIRE (aka the fun part)!

I truly discovered my passion for working in metals a year later, while at the PA Governor's School (a summer art camp of sorts) when I was introduced to steel sculpture and braising. Metal + Fire = LOVE!

And a year later, I was in college and concentrating my studies in Jewelry/Metals. Funny how things work out, huh?

To read about my fellow EtsyMetal members' first piece of jewelry, please visit the following blogs:
Andes Cruz http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
Caitlyn Davey http://discomedusa.typepad.com
Clare Stoker http://clarestoker.blogspot.com
Cynthia Del Giudice http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com/
Delias Thompson http://deliasstudioinc.blogspot.com
duckduckGoose http://duckduckgoosestuff.co.uk/duckduckBLOG
Kerin Rose http://kerinrose.blogspot.com
Laura Crawford http://tangerinetreehouse.blogspot.com
Libby Rosas http://elizabethrosasjewelry.blogspot.com
Nina Dinoff http://ninadinoff.blogspot.com
Nina Gibson http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com/
Sara Westermark http://sarawestermark.blogspot.com/
Tamra Gentry http://gentrydesignco.typepad.com/
Quercus Silver http://quercussilver.blogspot.com

Artful home fall catalog

2009-09-04T12:31:00.009-04:00

A few of my items from the Midnight Marquise Collection are included in the fall Artful home catalog...which is due to shipped out any day now. If you would like a copy of this beautiful catalog please sign up on their website here or simply shop online!

Marquise Chain Bracelet, Layered Midnight Marquise Pendant and earrings: oxidized sterling silver, 18k gold and cultured fresh-water pearls.

A breath of inspiration...

2009-08-31T14:24:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like new music...

...and new stones...
...for a breath of inspiration!

"Chiseled" Rose Cut Diamond Rings

Gallery of the Month : Gallery Fifty (part two)

2009-08-17T10:31:00.010-04:00

Please enjoy this second half of my interview with Christie Minervini, the creative owner of Gallery Fifty. (If you missed the first half, read it here.)
About the Business...
Q: Who is your customer base...Tourists? Locals? Repeat Customers? Collectors?
A: Our business is fairly seasonal, with the majority of sales happening between July and December. We love tourists because they are three times more likely to make a purchase than our year-round "regular" customers. However, over the past five years our local base has really grown. Especially men shopping for their wives or girlfriends. We've also experience an increase of area art collectors.

Q: How do you promote your artists / store?
A: We do a lot of advertising -- spending approximately 8 - 10% of our gross on marketing the gallery. Regular postcard mailings to our customer database, print advertising in regional publications, and underwriting our local National Pubic Radio station. We also spend on our web site, and an occasional ad in American Style or other NICHE magazines of the like.

Q: Where do you find your artists/product?
A: We do a lot of travel -- Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago SOFA and One-of-a-Kind shows. I also travel to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show every year. Even attended an ACRE show in Las Vegas this spring. I spend a lot of time curating for the "50 States" concept. A lot of our artists are now coming to us through word-of-mouth-- especially jewelry. I love the "pick box" idea... often seeing what's the latest and greatest without traveling to a show.
Q: What inspires you to buy a product?
A: Design is always going to be what inspires me to buy. A great design -- even without complex techniques or rare materials -- is what grabs me. A bonus is working with an artist or designer who knows how to self-promote (art statement cards, photography, nice web site, etc.).

Q: What is HOT right now?
A: Small original paintings (4" x 4" or 6" x 6"), inspirational works incorporating text, and our best-selling line of "Fordite" jewelry created from layers of vintage car paint.

Q: What do you think the next "wave or trend" is?
A: For us, it is definitely our move toward offering fine studio jewelry in high-karat gold and gemstones. We're really promoting the designs of Alex Sepkus, Todd Reed and Anne Sportun now and the results starting to pick up.

Q: What changes have been made from when you first opened the business?
A: We've quadrupled the amount of jewelry and the range that we're representing -- currently showing work by 25 designers. It's a huge percentage of our business. We've also continued to offer more "upscale" work in terms of quality and price.

About You...
Q: Are you, yourself an artist?
A: I've been making beaded jewelry for over ten years, but I've been getting more into metalworking lately. I've had workshops with Thomas Mann and James Binnion and continue my education when I can.Q: What is your favorite/least favorite part of your business?
A: My favorite part of the business is curating and merchandising the gallery. My least favorite part is managing the 150+ artists that we represent; the bookwork associated with consignment; and following up on orders/ deliveries/ promised ship date, etc.

Q: What is your favorite item you have kept for yourself from your store?
A: Too many to count! I like to own at least one piece from each of the jewelry designers that we represent, and I love getting "first pick" when our fine artists come in with new work.

Q: What do you feel makes you successful / what makes you most proud?
A: I'm especially proud that I've grown the gallery from a $15,000 investment five years ago into two 1,500 sq. ft. locations with a combined value of almost $200,000. I did it by taking 75% of our profits and reinvesting in the gallery, year after year.
Q: List your likes and interests, using only one word each or short phrases...
A: Fine art and original design
Ethnic food
Music performed by singer/ songwriters
Independent and foreign film
Travel
Time spent with my ten-year-old daughter

Wise words from Christie: "If running a gallery were a science, everyone would be doing it. It's an art and you have to be a creative person to succeed at it."

If you find yourself in Traverse City, Michigan, stop by Gallery Fifity. And no matter where you are, you can visit the website and blog.

Gallery of the Month : Gallery Fifty (part one)

2009-08-17T10:00:00.006-04:00

Gallery of the Month posts are back! And I am happy to introduce you to Christie Minervini, the creative owner of Gallery Fifty, located in Traverse City, MI. Please enjoy this first half f my interview with Christie...
About the Store...
Q: Why did you decide to open a gallery? How long have you been open?
A: I have a B.A. in Art (Design) from the University of Iowa and spent fifteen years in sales and marketing -- mostly print media -- before finally moving into the gallery business. I have always loved art and it was a life-long goal to open Gallery Fifty. What I hadn't realized during this time is what an asset that a background in sales and marketing would be to my new profession. I'm sure I would have failed miserably if I tried to do this right out of college.

My interest in craft has developed -- mainly as a collector -- over the past twenty years. It started with glass and grew to include ceramics, fiber and then finally paintings and assemblages. Of course, my first love has always been studio jewelry.

Q: Describe your gallery, the work you carry, etc...
A: Our reputation has always been for contemporary or abstract art, but because we're housed in a 125 year-old former insane asylum, I also gravitate toward work that honors or complements the history of the building. Themes of antiquity and mystery, work created with aged materials, "found art" and recycled or repurposed pieces are given special prominence.

I'm opening a new gallery downtown in September and will be offering more refined work there. All of our fine jewelry will be featured there, in addition to higher-end glass, ceramics and fine art.

Q: Are your products exclusively handmade?
A: Yes, I'd say 95% of our work is handcrafted or produced in the artist's studio. The other 5% are items produced by American designers.

Q: Do you represent local or international artist/designers?
A: We named our gallery, "Gallery Fifty" because we represent artists and designers from all fifty states. That being said, we feature mainly local or regional artists with the wall art in the gallery. I also present an exhibition series showcasing local talent bi-monthly.

Q: What is your price range of the products you sell?
We have products starting at $12 all the way up to $10,000. For fine art, our best-selling price range is $300 - $700. For studio jewelry it is $150 - $500. We offer a great selection of gifts in the $45 - $125 range.
Q: Do you have special events? ie: First Friday? Exhibitions/openings? Trunk shows?
A: Like I already mentioned, we present a bi-monthly exhibition series in the show space adjacent to the gallery. With approximately 500 linear feet of wall, it's the biggest exhibition space in northern Michigan. We also host about 5-8 jewelry trunk shows a year.
-What's happening now?
Alex Sepkus Jewelry Trunk Show, August 14 - 15, 2009
"Winds of Change" Fiber Artists Coalition Show from September 1- October 31, 2009

Q: Do you offer special services? ie: wedding/baby/gift registries, shipping, gift wrapping
A: We always offer complimentary gift wrapping and have a "Wish List" gift registry available. We also offer "no hassle" shipping services.

Q: Do you sell online?
A: We don't currently offer a shopping card check out system, but we offer on-line buying through the blog portion of our website. Just call or email to order.

Please return to read the second half of my interview with Chrisitie...

FREE SHIPPING!

2009-08-14T05:00:00.007-04:00

I am offering a weekend of FREE WORLD WIDE shipping! This offer runs from, Friday 8/14 through Sunday 8/16 AND is extended to my etsy retail, as well as my wholesale customers! (Sorry, custom orders do not apply.) Don't wait....ACT NOW!

R.I.P. my lovely Xuron

2009-08-06T10:00:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite tools, my Xuron Maxi-Shear® Flush Cutters, died. Tools don't live forever, especially if you work them hard everyday. If these Xurons were a pet, they would have been a loyal dog. Luckily had two pair...but now the other one is lonely. So, I will have a buy a nice, new, bright orange handled companion for it.

Where has the time gone?

2009-08-01T09:20:00.000-04:00

WOW--I have be neglecting my blog! Has it really been 2 months since I posted?!? I'm sorry! I don't even know where to begin...The summer has been busy and it is flying by. I've been doing a few craft shows, working on several custom orders and wholesale orders, participated in a project w/ Lark Books, went to New York for a quick get away and had several family adventures. More detailed info to follow on much of this soon...in the meantime I will leave you with these amazing images...

"MMMM bagel!" via my safari ride at Hollywild

One of these things is not like the other via my safari ride at Hollywild

Buffalo french kiss via my safari ride at Hollywild

Signature style...

2009-06-05T08:00:00.007-04:00

A question has been asked, "How did you come to develop your clearly defined style? What inspired that signature style?"

First, I should describe what I consider my "clearly defined style"... Simple, refined geometric forms, clean line and kinetic elements (especially abacus-like ones) are an integral part of my "signature style."

I have always been drawn to geometry, minimalism and mechanisms. I believe that growing up in a steel mill town played a huge role in influencing this design aesthetic. I took in the everyday sights, like factory architecture, freight trains and the lattice of bridges, with a child’s wonder-filled eyes. All of this sparked my own creative industry, which I now express through my jewelry design. Like the gears and rails that inspired it, my jewelry is geometric and much of it has moving parts.

Bethlehem Steel's mills along the Conemaugh Rivers, Johnstown, PA

The kinetic aspect of my "signature style" was brought to life while I was studying jewelry at Tyler School of Art, during a project in which we had to design a piece of jewelry that attached to the wearer in a non-traditional method. I created a brooch that used a series of sterling gears and rubber rollers in which the wearer's shirt fabric rolled between the rollers as a means of attachment. After that project, I started to explore the concept of kinetic jewelry and how the wearer could interact with it. The last few months of my studies were devoted to creating large rings with playful, movable elements, entitled "Nervous Habit Rings." Once I graduated, I began scaling down my ideas to appeal to the consumer while still maintaining the kinetic base.

Incline Plane, Johnstown, PA

I entered the marketplace in 1994 with my kinetic designs...but didn't feel like I had my "signature style" down yet. In 1995 I made my first "Abacus Bracelet." I continued to build on that design and that is when my "signature style" finally took a true hold. Although my designs are constantly evolving, I still feel like all of my work has a consistent and "clearly defined style."

Abacus Bracelet #1

For more stories about inspiration and signature styles, please read these blogs, whose authors are posting on the topic on June 5 -6, 2009
http://andescruz.ganoksin.com/blogs
http://andescruz.wordpress.com
http://ashleyakers.blogspot.com
http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com
http://etsymetal.blogspot.com
http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com
http://sarawestermark.blogspot.com
http://tangerinetreehouse.blogspot.com

http://discomedusa.typepad.com

My brother is a Rock Star!

2009-06-03T10:33:00.008-04:00

Dirk Miller- NYE 2008 - Photo by Quinn 2008, originally uploaded by officialrustedroot.

Have I mentioned that my little brother, Dirk Miller, is a Rock Star? Well, he is! He has played with many bands, done studio work, roadie work and is currently playing with Rusted Root. I am going to see him play live for the first time in 9 years (Sad, isn't it? Unfortunately, we live far apart...) tonight in Greenville, SC at the Handlebar. I'm super excited and soooo proud of him!

Check out Rusted Root's tour schedule here. And their new video (which my bro is in!) here.

Recent Press: Fine Jewelry News

2009-05-26T05:00:00.001-04:00

I am delighted to say that my Effervescence Brooch #1 was included in the May/June issue of Fine Jewelry News in a feature about jewelry that evokes childhood fun and games entitled "Trends: Play."

In memorial...

2009-05-24T23:15:00.004-04:00

Whether you politically agree with the battles they fought or not...Please take a moment to commemorate all U.S. men and women who have given their lives while in the military service on Memorial Day...

LRNC - Memorial Day Weekend 2009 originally uploaded by clay.wells via flickr

To SNAG or not to SNAG, that is the question...

2009-05-19T05:00:00.001-04:00

...well, not really, but it makes for a catchy (or should I say kitschy) blog title!

For my customers and readers who are thinking "Huh, SNAG???"
SNAG = Society of North American Goldsmiths. "An international educational nonprofit organization which supports and advances the professional practice of artists, designers, jewelers and metalsmiths." (or so they state on their website...)
This year's annual conference is entitled "REVOLUTION" and runs from May 20-23, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA.

from the Oxford American Dictionary:

revolution |ˌrevəˈloō sh ən|
noun
1 a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system.
• ( the Revolution) the American Revolution.
• (often the Revolution) (in Marxism) the class struggle that is expected to lead to political change and the triumph of communism.
• a dramatic and wide-reaching change in the way something works or is organized or in people's ideas about it : marketing underwent a revolution.

2 an instance of revolving : one revolution a second.
• motion in orbit or a circular course or around an axis or center.
• the single completion of an orbit or rotation.

So now the question is, what meaning of revolution is SNAG referring to? Are they revolting against something? If so, WHAT?!? OR...Are they simply orbiting around themselves and dancing in circles?!? These are valid questions. And if anyone knows the answers, please tell me!

Some of you may already be aware of my disappointment in SNAG, as I stated in my older post about Metalsmith's 2008 Exhibition in Print "Equilibrium: Body as Site." If not, you can read it here.

Despite the fact that I dropped my SNAG membership years ago because I didn't feel represented by the organization, I was truly interested in attending this year's conference. The dizzy title "REVOLUTION," naturally peeked my curiosity and the fact that it is taking place in my old stomping ground, Philadelphia, were factors. But I was actually more interested in the conference due to the web 2.0 wave. I feel like I have connected with more of my peers within the last year through facebook, crafthaus, flickr and Etsy than I have in the last 16 years since I graduated from college. The ability to meet many of these people in real life was the real draw. I was also very interested in the Professional Development Seminar. (Although I am confused why it is call a "pre-conference program"...doesn't it take place after registration begins...therefore it takes place during the conference. Are they trying to separate the professionals from the academics at the conference too?)

Unfortunately, I am not able to attend the "REVOLUTION" due to a schedule conflict.

I am looking forward to hearing reports from others about the "REVOLUTION" so I can decide if I want to renew my SNAG membership or to resign to the fact that the organization is not meant for designers like me. I would be naive if I thought that one revolutionary conference would change the feudalism of our art metal community. However, with the influx of a younger, and hopefully more open-minded audience, change may slowly start to take place.

These Shadow Boxes are like Magic!

2009-05-12T10:00:00.003-04:00

I was recently invited to participate in an art exhibition that was, ironically and unfortunately, not prepared to display jewelry. Normally I would shy (or run) away from organizations not able to properly display/secure jewelry. However, this exhibition pulled on my heart strings. It is the first exhibition for the past scholarship recipients of the Allied Artists of Johnstown---a scholarship I was awarded 20 years ago!

Feeling nostalgic, my mission began...find a way to display my jewelry that is secure and easy to ship. That is when I remembered an article I read in the Jeweler Resource Bureau about mounting jewelry in floating shadow boxes. These shadow boxes are two part frames which open at the center, allowing you to place almost any jewelry item inside. A clear, flexible plastic sheeting accommodates the jewelry and holds it firmly in place---virtually suspending it. A strong magnetic strip holds the two sides of the frame/box securely closed.

"Effervescence Wave Brooch" suspended in shadow box display

My next mission...find a way to secure this shadow box onto a pedestal and prevent it from being opened. That is when I turned to my husband, Ben Gilliam---metal artist, teacher and brilliant gig maker.
He designed and made me this wooden stand to hold the shadow box. It gets screwed to the top of the pedestal then the frame slides into the groove. He inserted a female thread into the bottom of the shadow box frame, and a screw then secures the frame in the wood base. Simple and brilliant, no?! Thanks, Ben!
These shadow boxes are available in bulk from Prestige Pak Inc. or in smaller quantities from Rio Grande.

Vote for me!

2009-04-30T10:14:00.006-04:00

Please vote for me in the National Jeweler's Best of Silver - People's Choice Awards! Click here then follow the instructions...it's a little bit of a pain...but I need your vote! Thanks!

Celebrating Earth Day as a Jeweler...

2009-04-22T14:00:00.001-04:00

I have been debating for weeks if I should write an Earth Day post. The simple fact is, what I do for a living contributes to polluting and reaping the planet. Metal and gems come from the earth via mining and mining is a “dirty” business which has a huge impact on the environment. Here are just a few eye opening facts:
-A single gold ring generates 5 to 20 tons of mine and environmental waste.
-96% of U.S. arsenic emissions and 76% of lead emissions come from mining.
-2 to 5 grams of mercury are released into the environment for every gram of gold recovered.
-Cyanide used in leaching gold from ore can pollute water resources and kill fish and other life.
-Metal mining consumes as much as 10% of world's energy.

Kalgoorlie Mine, Australia. Photo courtesy of mattyp_ / Matthew Perkins on Flickr.

What is a jeweler to do? One way we can begin to "go green" is to use 100% recycled metals. Although a major percentage of the precious metals in circulation are already recycled (who throws it away?!), they are usually a mixture of recycled and newly mined material. At this time, it is impossible to police where all the metal in our manufactured findings come from. However, we can, at least, purchase our mill products from refiners who certify that they are selling 100% recycled metal.

Unfortunately, buying recycled metals will not solve the problems in the mining industry. We should also demand that the mining industry abandon practices that endanger people and ecosystems.

For more information on this subject please visit the following sites:
Ethical Metalsmiths
No Dirty Gold
The Alliance for Responsible Mining
Sky Truth
Responsible Jewelry Council
International Cyanide Management Code

Articles on this subject:
"The Real Price of Gold" By Brook Larmer (National Geographic)
"What Jewelers Mean When They Say Green" by Patrick Totty(Modern Jeweler magazine)

Resources for eco-friendly refiner and manufacturer of precious metals:
Hoover and Strong
Oro Verde/ Green Gold Corporation
Thunderbird Supply Company

Not all that glitters is gold...

2009-04-20T05:00:00.003-04:00

My fellow Etsymetal member Chris Parry, shared this story with his fellow team mates in our private forums. I felt it was a lesson that needed to be shared with my blog readers as well....

fake-ring-2, originally uploaded by Chris Parry.

"A little story goes with this ring.

A customer brought this into me and asked me if it was real. At the time it was a very shiny gold colour. (It had been gold plated.)

Inside the ring, you can just make out two marks a 750 and a 18k. Both presuming to mean that it is 18k gold.

However, when he gave it to me, the colour of the gold was wrong and the weight as well. The spurious marks also made me feel this ring was a fake.

So I put it under my torch and as you can see the resulting black mess proves that it is just a brass/copper metal underneath.

It does infact look like a plumbers olive. Something used by plumber in the UK when installing water pipes in houses.

The client had bought this ring from a beggar in Lonodon for £5 and his own words, "it was worth a gamble".

You could probably buy a 100 of these olives for a £5.

So the beggar was no ordinary beggar, as he clearly had access to a gold plating unit, so he was in fact probably a scam artist.

Then about six months later, a lady bought an identical ring in to me and I gave her the same bad news, but she insisted it had been in her family for years (Probably just embarrassed that she had parted with good money for a fake)

Be warned you all, not all that glitters is gold"

Friday at the bench...

2009-04-17T12:01:00.014-04:00

I actually haven't spent too much time at the bench in the last 2 weeks. I have managed to get a handful of orders finished and out the door, but for the most part I have been working on marketing materials. I really enjoy this end of the business although it puts me in front of my Mac, which is a horrible time-suck.

With the help of a wordsmith friend, I put together several press releases and made beautiful presentation kits which were mailed to several local media.

I designed new postcards for an upcoming show I'm doing and sent them to the printer...

I finalized my new Etsy business card design and sent them to the printer...

...and I designed and made new Thank You cards for my customers.
ALL DONE! Next week I have to turn off the computer and crank out the jewelry!

Babycenter: MOMformation blog interview

2009-04-01T10:50:00.004-04:00

I was recently interviewed for the Babycenter's blog : MOMformation. Babycenter is an amazing resource for all Mom's...it has information from fertility to parenting to fashion! I am participating in their week long jewelry giveaway. Read the interview to find out how you can enter to win a pair of my Bubble Earrings! Hurry you have to enter by midnight Thursday, April 2! To read and enter click here!

Custom Swinging Bud Earrings

2009-03-24T09:16:00.006-04:00

I recently made a few custom pairs of my "Swinging Buds Earrings" for some clients. I really love these simple flirty earrings...perfect for spring!

Double Bud in sterling and 18k yellow - Single Bud in 18k rose gold.

18k rose gold - sterling - blackened sterling

New Bike

2009-03-23T07:00:00.001-04:00

Last week was my birthday and this was my present...a Trek 7000 WSD! Isn't she pretty?! I have been wanting a bike for a while now...something I can ride to the post office and UPS instead of being lazy and driving. It's been a LONG time since I've ridden and I am eager to ease my aging bones into better shape. Thanks, Ben! Now I am in search of the perfect messenger bag to hold all my packages...

New Work

2009-03-18T10:20:00.000-04:00

These are just a few of the new pieces I made for the recent Buyers' Market Show. I am just now getting around to taking documentary photos of them. Soon they will be shipped off to be professionally shot.

Large Vine Necklace : blackened sterling, 18k gold, chocolate diamond and white diamonds. The leaves freely swing with the movement of the wearer.

Marquise Cuff Bracelets : Brushed sterling, blackened sterling, 18k gold, citrine, peridots

Vine Ring : Blackened sterling, 18k gold, chocolate diamond

MARCH MADNESS SALE!

2009-03-10T07:00:00.004-04:00

MARCH MADNESS SALE!
It's my birthday and I'm having a SALE to celebrate!

Hurry! This special offer only runs from March 10 through 17!
-FREE SHIPPING on all orders!
-10% off all orders over $75
-15% off all orders over $200
-Already discounted items are also included in this great offer!

Simply make your purchase and an adjusted pay pal invoice will be sent to reflect sale prices.

You can also visit my portfolio website to browse my entire collection. Click here. If you see something you'd like to purchase that is not listed on my Esty site, please contact me and I will post it for you!

Recent Press: INDESIGN

2009-03-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

My Marquise Chain Necklace was featured in the January/February issue of INDESIGN magazine!

Friday at the bench...

2009-03-06T08:55:00.007-05:00

This week was busy with snow days, small retail orders and a nice custom order. I was asked by my client to create a pendant similar to my Layered Marquise Pendant using metal from jewelry that was donated by several of his family & friends. Normally I do not use old jewelry...you never know what problems will arise with strange alloys, what weird solders were used, if it was plated, etc. However, most of what he gave me was quality hallmarked and did not look suspicious, so I melted it down and poured into wire ingots. The sentiment behind the design was touching: Family and friends that have touched his wife's life would donate something to create her 40th day birthday present and the design itself represented his wife and their 2 children. I loved the way it turned out and so did they!

Blackened sterling silver, 14k gold and pearls

Custom Marquise Pendant next to my Layered Marquise Pendant

I also made time to "play" a little bit this week! I bought some beautiful stones at a gem show several months ago and haven't had the time to do anything with them yet. So yesterday I made two quick rings just for fun. They are very simple and basic designs...nothing daring...I just really wanted to put some of the stones I bought in something! Plus I got to "play" with the beautiful Fretz hammer I got for Christmas by making a lovely texture on the side of the band.

14k gold ring w/ princess cut orange-red sapphire

14k gold ring w/ princess cut chocolate diamond

They will soon be individually for sale in my Esty shop...But look how beautifully they stack!

Buyers Market of American Craft : the results...FINALLY

2009-03-05T10:00:00.002-05:00

I started this post 2 weeks, but got side tracked....

Buyers Market of American Craft show floor

I didn't have high expectations for this year's Buyers Market of American Craft. Considering the horrible conditions of the global economy, I knew it was not going to be a very profitable show. I spoke to many (jewelry) artists during and after the show, and their sales were anywhere from 40% to 90% down from last year...or worse! This was my 13th BMAC show in 11 years and it definitely was my worst show. It's hard to keep a positive attitude about my designs...but I'm trying. I'm hoping the economic tides will turn and stores will need more stock soon!

My booth

On the brighter side, I had a wonderful time visiting with old friends in Philadelphia and seeing my artist friends at the show. I also had some great networking opportunities while I was at the show. I attended an invitational dinner party hosted by the Contemporary Design Group and the Jeweler's Resource Bureau. I was also invited to serve on the Buyers Market Advisory Council, a selected group of exhibitors and retailers who provide feedback and input about how to improve the show. This is such an honor! I found it invigorating to see the "other side" of the Buyers Market and to have a voice in very some important discussions. I look forward to future meetings!

Show breakdown - always looks like a tornado hit

A quick thanks to Valerie Heck for allowing me to use her photos of the show floor! For several years, Valerie has been the Jewelry Manager for the Buyers Market but now she is embarking on a new adventure...marriage and her own jewelry career! Thank You and Good Luck, Valerie!

Snow in SC in MARCH?

2009-03-02T17:15:00.003-05:00

Our one and only snow this winter....in MARCH??? Crazy, but true! We received about 4 inches last night. My studio looks so cute in a winter wonder land!

This Week At the Bench...150 Penadnts...

2009-02-27T00:12:00.004-05:00

I have been working non-stop for the past week to get 150 Square Abacus pendants finished, bagged, boxed and shipped. My fingers hurt and my eyes are tired. I would have never been able to get them done so quickly without the help of my husband, Ben. Thank God I married a fellow metalsmith!

These pendants are on their way to a the Lakewood Ranch Country Club in Florida for their annual Men's Invitational Golf Tournament. The pendants will be given to the participants' significant others during a formal 5 course dinner at the conclusion of the tournament. I can't describe my surprise and happiness that the Golf Shop Buyer expressly wanted to promote handmade designer jewelry, rather than mass-produced jewelry from a faceless company. She has an art background and as a result is an art advocate. A big thanks go out to her! Buy local, buy handmade...now is the time!

150 Square Abacus Pendants - finished

150 Pendants - bagged

150 Pendants - boxed

The Forever Flower

2009-02-22T22:25:00.003-05:00

When I returned home from my recent business trip, I found this beautiful gift waiting for me on my jewelers' bench. My husband and I never get to spend Valentine's Day together because my biggest wholesale show falls over the holiday every year. He made me this flower while I was gone...it will never wilt, fade or loose it's petals...it will last forever.

Mort Abelson Scholarship

2009-02-04T10:31:00.006-05:00

I recently applied for the Mort Abelson Scholarship at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. This unique scholarship was funded by designers, for designers and consists of an all-expenses-paid trip for one recipient to attend a master class of their choice at the school's upcoming International Masters Symposium. The contest honors Mort Abelson, who was instrumental in raising the awareness of jewelry design and promoting jewelry designers in the U.S.

Unfortunately I did not win the scholarship. However, I was awarded Honorable Mention! I am happy that my work was received so well and I will try again next year! Wish me luck!

"Butterfly Brooch" by Danielle Miller-Gilliam
18k gold, oxidized sterling, tourmaline with freely gliding diamonds & tsavorite

Gallery of the Month : Allanstand & the Southern Highland Craft Guild

2009-01-28T11:02:00.001-05:00

Q: Why did you decide to open a gallery? How long have you been open?
A: Allanstand Craft Shop has roots dating back to 1908 when Francis Goodrich opened Allanstand Shop on Main St in Asheville, NC. Today Allanstand Craft Shop is located at the Folk Art Center and is one of the five shops of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The Guild shops represent artists who live in the southern Appalachian mountains, from Maryland to Alabama.

Q: Describe your gallery, the work you carry, etc...
A: Allanstand Craft Shop exhibits the finest traditional and contemporary crafts made in the southern Appalachians. All work is made by Guild members who are juried into the organization based on the mastery of their craft. Allanstand features jewelry, wood, pottery, natural materials, metal, glass and mixed media.

Q: What is your price range of the products you sell?
A: Prices range from $10 to $10,000. This wide range offers something for everyone-whether it be a handcrafted keepsake from their trip to the mountains or an art quilt surely to become a family heirloom. The bestselling price range is typically under $100.

Q: Do you have special events?
A: Allanstand Craft Shop is located at the Folk Art Center which hosts special events throughout the year. The events include Fiber Day, Clay Day, Wood Day and Heritage Weekend. Guild artists share knowledge of their craft through demonstrations and hands on activities. The events often include live music and traditional entertainment such as clogging and storytelling.
You can find an event schedule here.

Q: Do you offer special services?
A: Yes. Allanstand offers the following special services: shipping, gift wrapping for the holidays, gift certificates.

Q: Do you sell online?
A: The Southern Highland Craft Guild operates an online store at www.southernhighlandguild.org
Q: Who is your customer base?
A: Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway Allanstand Craft Shop is a favorite stop for tourists to the western North Carolina mountains. Conveniently located just half a mile from Hwy 70 in east Asheville it is also a great spot for locals to find unique gifts. Given the Guild’s history and reputation Allanstand also appeals to collectors, whether they are searching for a traditional white oak basket or a contemporary glass sculpture.

Q: How do you promote your artists / store?
A: Various forms of media are used to share the mission of the Guild including advertising in newspapers, magazines, television and online at www.craftguild.org. We work closely with the Chamber of Commerce to familiarize visitors with the area and all that the Folk Art Center and Allanstand have to offer.

Q: Where do you find your artists / product?
A: All artists are members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Each Guild shop manager evaluates members’ work based on how well it will be received in their particular gallery. While drawing from the same membership, all five shops have their own uniqueness and personality.

Q: What is hot right now?
A: Scarves, greenware, functional pottery
Q: What do you think the next wave or trend is?
A: Navy blue is the “new black” with home décor. Eco-friendly items such as natural baskets, fiber wearables.

Q: What changes have been made from when you first opened the business?
A: While deeply rooted in tradition the Guild evolves to meet the marketing needs of an ever changing membership. The Guild’s mission is to bring together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation.

Valentine's Day Jewelry

2009-01-21T11:55:00.013-05:00

I'm really not one for holiday themed jewelry or hearts, however I always bring these Abacus Hearts Pendants out at this time of the year. They are currently available in my Etsy shop for a limited time. See them here."How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death." -by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Friday at the Bench...BMAC prep

2009-01-16T10:28:00.006-05:00

I have been busy getting ready for the upcoming Buyers Market...replenishing my pillaged sample set and designing new work. I always feel a little ADD at this time of year...a huge list of "to do's" and too many ideas going in too many directions. This week I have been (trying) to concentrate on adding to my Marquise Collection and am really excited about some of the results. I still have tons to do and nothing is complete yet, but here is a sample of what I've started:
These bracelets are quickly becoming some of new favorites...especially the forged one! I wore it all day yesterday to test the balance and it is perfect...so simple, graphic and elegant.

Going to NYC

2009-01-13T12:52:00.005-05:00

For years I have been wondering about the NY International Gift Show: "Is it a show I should do? Will my work & price point fit in? Will I be exposed to a different market?" And within the past two years, I have noticed more and more of my peers participating in the Handmade® section of the show. So, I decided to take a quick trip to NYC to see the show in person next week! I will have a few extra hours in the city, so I plan to go to the new Museum of Arts and Design and have drinks with some friends...I'm totally excited! I'll let you know what I think of the show when I return...

looking BACK so I can look AHEAD...2008 to 2009

2009-01-06T13:35:00.001-05:00

I feel like I walked through 2008 in a fog. It was a personal year of sorrowful lows and wonderful highs...and a business year of significant achievement and constant self-doubt. I have been wondering what happened to 2008 and what are my expectations for 2009. Luckily, I recently discovered Alyson Stanfield's Art Marketing Action Newsletter and her annual "Acknowledge Yourself and Celebrate" checklist via Margaux Lange's blog. As Margaux said in her post, "It's easy to forget sometimes how much we accomplish over the course of a year....Try answering these questions for yourself as a way to feel inspired about your progress before moving on to writing your goal lists for 2009." So I did just that!

How did you promote your art and your online presence?
I really concentrated on creating an online presence this year...

opened my Etsy shop
started my blog
occasional contributing author on the Etsymetal blog
opened a flickr account
was accepted onto trunkt
invited member on Handmade Contemporary Jewellery
joined facebook, crafthaus and twitter
launched my new website (still working on some glitches)
mailed postcards to craft show retail customers, informing them about my new website, Etsy shop & blog.
answered a few blog interviews
upgraded my lup rocks designer account (this happened at the very end of the year...but it still was 2008!)

I also did my usual print advertising plus some new ads...

advertised in NICHE magazine and the Buyers' Market of American Craft's show guide
participated in co-op advertisement in American Craft magazine (with 9 other artists)
participated in co-op advertisement (for Etsy) in BUST magazine
participated in co-op advertisement in American Style magazine (with 3 of my galleries)
participated in co-op advertisement in New York magazine (with CBL Fine Art)

What technological skills did you learn or improve?

blogging / a tiny bit of html
refined my digital photography and Photoshop skills

How many people did you add to your mailing list?

I added both retail & wholesale customers to my mail list...but I no idea how many.

Who were the top ten cool or influential people you met?

Frank Stankus of the Jeweler's Resource Bureau (via emails)
Brian Clarke : amazing master silversmith (via smithing workshop in Ireland)
Steve Midget : mokume gane jeweler extraordinaire (via Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show)
several members of the Etsymetal team : always supportive, challenging and an invaluable resource for knowledge and inspiration!!!

Whom did you mentor or help out?

I helped Alyson1234 and many others on Etsy with wholesaling issues, resources, etc.

Did you create a new business card, portfolio, or other marketing piece?

utilized new logo (which was designed 11/2007) on business checks, address labels, invoices & letterhead
developed a tagline
logo promo stickers (for jewelry boxes, envelopes, etc.)
stock # labels w/ logo (for wholesale orders)
postcards ( as mentioned above)

What medium or skill did you attempt or master?

sinking & crimp raising

What did you try that was completely new?

crimp raising

What did you try that was uncomfortable, but helped you grow?

opened an Etsy shop (I was concerned that my work would not fit in and that my wholesale customers would not be happy that I was selling online)

What worthy cause did you support in some way?

several small monetary donations to various charities

What new art events, galleries, and museums did you visit?

National Museum of Ireland (the Archaeology & Decorative Arts sections)
The Georgia Museum of Art (The Ring Shows: Then & Now and Putting the Band Back Together)

What resources did you discover?

Gem Show in Asheville, NC & several suppliers that were exhibiting there
I also discovered many resources that I haven't used yet, such as ponoko...

How did you improve your studio habits?

didn't

What books did you read to help your career? What videos or films were useful?

Craft in America, PBS documentary series
not a book but a blog: Jewelry Business Guru
not a book but a blog: Wholesale Matters
not a book but a blog: Ask Harriet

What seminars/workshops/lectures did you attend or teach?

attended Brain Clarke's silversmithing workshop

How did you enhance your office or studio environment?

didn't

What organizations were you involved with?

Etsymetal !!!!
ACC (membership only - no active participation)
Southern Highland Craft Guild (membership only - no active participation)

What grants/honors/awards did you receive?

2008 NICHE Awards Finalist (in 2 catagories)

What articles were written about your work?

INDESIGN magazine, “neck and neck” July 2008
INSTORE magazine, “men’s jewelry” June 2008
NICHE magazine ,“Sparkle, Dazzle and Shine” Spring 2008
Jewelry Resource Bureau website, "What Works: Selling Your Goods on the Etsy Craft Site" written by Frank Stankus
and several blog nods....

What exhibits, grants, contest, etc. did you submit your art to?

NICHE Awards
Saul Bell Design Awards

Where did you save a wad of money?

I cut back on hired help (regular employees and sub-contractors). For the first time in 7 years, I had only a few weeks of hired help . This was a good and a bad thing...

What was the single best thing that happened to your art career in 2008?

I opened my Etsy shop! As I said eariler, I was worried and doubtful about Etsy. However, it ended up benefiting my career in many ways:

I sold well above my goal on Etsy
I received a few engagement ring / wedding band commissions through Etsy
I gained a great wholesale account through Etsy
I discovered and was accepted into Etsymetal (an invaluable resource of information, inspiration and friendship)
learned about blogging, trunkt, flickr, twitter and crafthaus; all via Etsy or Etsymetal
I was interviewed by Frank Stankus of the Jewelry Resource Bureau about my experiences with Etsy

Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

At the bench...Holiday Chaos...

2008-12-21T23:15:00.003-05:00

The Christmas rush has come to a close and my studio & office looks like a tornado touched down. I'm ready for a few days off...

Gallery of the Month : llyn strong fine jewelry

2008-12-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

I have been planning my Gallery of the Month posts for a while. Well...it's finally here! First up is llyn strong fine jewelry in Greenville, SC. Q: Describe your gallery

A: classically contemporary with over 60 international jewelry designers and glass artists.

Q: Why did you decide to open a gallery? How long have you been open?
A: It was somewhat accidental – I liked downtown Greenville. I’ve been open since Oct. 1989.

Q: What is your price range of the products you sell?
A: from $20.00 to $50,000.00; Best selling price range would be $250.00 to $600.00

Q: Do you have special events? ie: First Friday? Exhibitions/openings? Trunk shows?
A: I have one large annual event a year and First Fridays (in the gallery) ; and I participate in other exhibitions (with my own work)

Q: Do you offer special services to your customers?
A: Yes! We offer wedding/baby/gift registries, shipping, gift wrapping, etc.

Q: Do you sell online?
A: no direct sales online, but yes; customers can contact us through the website and inquire about pricing if interested

Q: Who is your customer base?
A: locals, repeat customers, business travelers, getting more tourists all the time now too!

Q: How do you promote your artists / store?
A: print ads in the Journal (local newspaper), TV, direct mail, website

Q: Where do you find your artists/product?
A: trade shows such as Rosen, ACE, and Global Design; magazines

Q: What is your favorite/least favorite part of your business?
A: my least is managing employees. my favorite is designing jewelry and developing a rapport with customers

llyn strong not only owns her own gallery, she is also an award winning designer who has been creating jewelry for 30 years. She has recently won First Place in the Miscellaneous Jewelry category of the 2008 Jewelry Arts Awards and First Place in Ladies Jewelry of the 2008 Bench Jewelers Passion Award Design Competition. llyn has been carrying my work since 2001....and I am deeply honored to be amonst so many amazing designers in her store.

singing in my head...

2008-12-08T10:34:00.002-05:00

I woke up with this song in my head and I thought I would share...

I want this!!!

2008-12-03T10:03:00.003-05:00

I have had my eye on this stunning 5 ct rough diamond for months now. I am seriously considering designing a line around it. What do you think? In this economy...am I crazy?

Blog Nods for my Bubble Collection

2008-12-01T10:41:00.006-05:00

I recently discovered my jewelry in some blog gift guides...

My Effervescence Earrings were in GilBea's Jewelry Lover's Gift Guide. GilBea has a fantastic blog about fashion & the handmade and how to combine the two...AND she makes gorgeous handpainted silk accessories! Check out her shop here.

The always fabulous Julie Morrison (aka MAJESTYinc.) has added my Effervescence Ring to her blog wish list. MAJESTYinc makes handmade vinyl accessories that are creative, colorful and whimsical. Check out her shop here.

Holiday Sale!

2008-11-28T08:30:00.002-05:00

FREE SHIPPING to US and Canada in my Etsy shop from Black Friday to Cyber Monday (Nov 27 - Dec 1)! PLUS selected items are up to 20% off!

Click on any of the above images for more information. Or click HERE to see all the items in my shop.DON'T MISS THIS GREAT HOLIDAY SHOPPING OPPORTUNITY!!!

Giving Thanks...

2008-11-27T00:16:00.005-05:00

Printable Thanksgiving Place Cards by littlebrownpen

I am thankful for:

-Life
-my Husband who is my best friend & simply incredible in so many ways
-my beautiful little Boys
-that I have the ability to Do what I love everyday
-that I live in this day & Age (I would never make it as a pioneer)
...and so much more...

Happy Thanksgiving!

tweet...twit...Twitter

2008-11-25T11:43:00.008-05:00

Yes, I finally broke down and set up a twitter account. A year and a half ago I was saying "Blogging? Why would I do that? Who wants to hear my ramblings? Blogs are for the self-obsessed!" Well what do you know...here I am blogging AND twittering! What have I become???? A slave to my Mac! You can follow my tweets here.

Blog TAG!

2008-11-21T13:30:00.008-05:00

*sigh* It was just a matter of time...
*sigh* I've seen it happen to others...
*sigh* Now it has happened to me too...

I have been tagged by Chris Parry!

Here's how this works: THE RULES:*

*Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
*Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their name as well as links to their blog.
* Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So here are my seven facts.....
1. I bite my nails.
2. I like to eat raw potatoes sprinkled with salt.
3. I'm a little bit of a sci-fi geek.
4. I've been in business for 13 years and still sometimes feel like a newbie.
5. I have fired an employee and I felt both regret and joy at the same time.
6. My brother is a ROCK STAR but I have absolutely no musical or vocal capabilities.
7. When necessary, I don't mind peeing outside but I will not sleep outside!

Did you learn something about me?!?
My turn to tag! Here are my victims...er, um...I mean picks:

Timothy Adam
Ashley Akers
Beth Cyr
Cindy Edelstein (aka Jewelry Business Guru)
Julie Morrison (aka MAJESTY inc)
Tiffaney Springer (aka Evermore Soap Factory)
Amy Tavern

It's your choice, play or don't...but please, don't be shy!

Although this is pure silliness, it really is a good way to market your blog...

Web Press - Jewelry of the Day

2008-11-20T09:54:00.004-05:00

My Bubble Pendant #5 was selected for the Jewelry of the Day on Tuesday, November 18. Jewelry of the Day is a blog which features a daily selection of handmade jewelry. Thanks, Eric!This pendant is available in my Etsy shop, as well as many of my other designs...ANY purchase that mentions this blog post (in "message to seller" during checkout) will receive free shipping (refunded via pay pal)! Click here to shop!

Jeweler's Resource Bureau & Etsy...

2008-11-12T07:00:00.003-05:00

I am excited to announce that I was interviewed by Frank Stankus of the Jeweler's Resource Bureau for their "What Works" series. The article entitled "What Works: Selling Your Goods on the Etsy Craft Site" is a candid, tactful and informative introduction to Etsy for members of the Jeweler's Resource Bureau.
To view the entire article, you must be a member...and I highly recommend becoming a member to all jewelry designers! The Jeweler's Resource Bureau has an amazing amount of resources available, such as: suppliers, shows, competitions, publicity opportunities, marketing tips, consultations, and the list goes on... Check it out and sign up here!

Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show

2008-11-06T07:20:00.002-05:00

I'm off to Atlanta, where I will be exhibiting at the second annual Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show. It is a very intimate show with only 25 of the country's finest contemporary jewelry artists presenting exciting handcrafted work at the Defoor Centre in Midtown Atlanta. It's exciting to be amongst such talent. I hope to see you there!

Election Day

2008-11-04T11:17:00.003-05:00

Everyday is Halloween

2008-10-31T15:11:00.004-04:00

Just for fun....
This was one of my fave songs long ago...
Although this video is a fake...the music and the video do not match...It takes me back to my new wave/goth girl high school daze...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Being heard feels good

2008-10-29T16:18:00.003-04:00

illustration "hello Listen" by laurageorge (aka: Laura Berger)

I wanted to give a quick shout out/thank you to my friend and fellow jewelry artist, Kristin Lora. She recently contacted me, asking about the display banners I use in my show booth. The conversation shifted to my blog post about the Metalsmith - Exhibition in Print "Equilibrium: Body as Site." Kristin is on the SNAG board of Directors and she brought my blog post to the attention of Suzanne Ramljak, the editor of Metalsmith. I don't know if this will help the concerns I raised in my earlier blog post, but it nice to know that I my humble opinion has been heard. Thanks, Kristin! And also a 'thank you' to Laura for giving me permission to use her lovely illustration!

A few new items...

2008-10-28T09:50:00.008-04:00

Here are a few new items I just completed...Small Midnight Vine Pendant w/ white diamond

Midnight Vine Ring w/ grey diamond

Friday at the bench...

2008-10-24T10:22:00.008-04:00

This week I've been finishing up wholesale orders and dabbling with some new designs...

I have been pretty successful with my vine rings on Etsy, so I was inspired to expand the line. Here are some pendants I'm working on. They are very different from most of my work and I'm not sure how they will fit into my display as a whole. Of course, I added some movement: the little leaves freely swing! Your thoughts are welcomed!

I am also working on more Slider Rings. I'm really excited about this series! I bought stones this week specifically for these designs. This is one I finished several months ago

And this is one I'm currently making
Now I'm off to work....Have a good weekend!

Fun at the Gem Show

2008-10-22T08:32:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I traveled to Asheville, NC to meet some of my Etsymetal friends at the Gem Show. I really enjoyed spending the day with these talented young women in person...Beth, Maggie and Sara! While at the show I purchased many lovely goodies: some champagne and grey colored diamonds; an amazing oval imperal topaz; a pair of lovely princess cut aquamarines; a positively scrumptious parcel of multi-color princess cut sapphires and more! My head is swimming with ideas for all these lovely gems...now I just have to find the time to make them...

Niche Awards Finalist!

2008-10-14T10:43:00.007-04:00

I was recently informed that my "Kinetic Mod Necklace" has been chosen as one of the 2009 Niche Awards Finalists! The winners of the awards will be announced on February 15, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA at a banquet and ceremony during the Buyers Market of American Craft.

Wish me Luck...because....

This is my 8th time as a Niche Award Finalist...but I have yet to win the award. I am beginning to feel like the Susan Lucci of the Niche Awards. I think it took her 19 Emmy nominations before she won...geez!

Friday at the bench...Engagement Ring!

2008-10-10T09:26:00.009-04:00

This week I finished up an exciting project: a commissioned engagement ring with nesting wedding band. My customer saw my Gold Vine Ring w/ diamond online and asked me if I could make a similar ring in a white metal. After much discussion, he decided on 950 Palladium, a naturally strong and durable noble metal that offers a more radiant white than white gold, and has many of the desired characteristics of platinum without platinum’s price. I think the rings turned out beautifully! Congrats to Rob & Traci!

These vine rings are proving to be popular...I have two more commissions in the works!

Aside from this vine ring and a few other orders, this week I started making some stacking rings from the wire Ben & I drew down 2 weeks ago. They are a combination of 14k white, yellow and pink golds...still incomplete...but will be finished and listed on Etsy soon!

Photo Stamps!

2008-10-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

If you haven't heard of PhotoStamps yet, they are (as stated on their website) "an exciting new product that lets you take your own images or photographs and turn them into real U.S. postage." I recently ordered some with the image of my Bubble Charm Necklace. What a great branding tool!

Some more Web Press...

2008-10-03T12:18:00.007-04:00

I'm happy to announce that my Abacus Wave Cufflinks were featured in blufuse: a new, hip blog featuring modern men products. Very Cool stuff in the blog!

My Midnight Marquise Bracelet was also mentioned on dianalerias.net in the post Jewelry: Favorite Picks. Thank you!

New Ring...

2008-10-02T11:07:00.004-04:00

This ring represents hope...
Just as in the myth of Pandora's box...hope always remains...even if just barely...

This sterling silver ring graceful curves around the finger and it terminated with 2 gorgeous wine-colored rhodolite garnets set in 18k gold bezels that just barely touch. I made this ring as part of etsymetal team's monthly theme... October's theme involved using the technique of bezel setting and the concept of hope. It is currently for sale on etsy.com ...check it out!

Marquise Pendant gets Web Press x 2

2008-09-30T09:37:00.002-04:00

Jewelry of the Day is a wonderful blog for jewelry addicts! It features a daily selection of hand made jewelry with links to where you can purchase the items. And I'm happy to say that my Asymmetrical Marquise Pendant is the item of TODAY! Thanks for choosing my pendant!
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The same pendant was featured yesterday on Etsy's The Storque article entitled Sterling Silver Jewelry !